Those who have not served will never experience that bond developed by soldiers in a military unit, especially one involved in active combat operations. A letter has come to light that offers a glimpse at this bond and gives illuminating insight into the maw that was Passchendaele. Thanks to Michael Ritchie[i] the experiences of the... Continue Reading →
A Letter From a Soldier Who Served During the Vimy Attack: Graphic Description of Vimy Ridge
A letter from Lieutenant Stuart Cameron Kirkland published in the Aylmer Express, May 24,1917 and edited for clarity: GRAPHIC DESCRIPTION OF VIMY RIDGE Some of the Sights Encountered Lieut. Stuart C. Kirkland, who is now in England recovering from a wound in his arm received at the battle of Vimy Ridge, writes the following... Continue Reading →
“We’re all OK. Plenty of rations, water and rum.”
During heavy action during an operation in August 1917 against the ALOOF Trench in the Lens area of operations by the 18th Battalion C.E.F. the following communication was written and passed back by messenger to "Adjutant Radish" at Battalion Headquarters. To Adjut. Radish [codename] Casualties 2 killed 5 wounded I have completed a relief of... Continue Reading →
History of the 18th Battalion CEF, "The Fighting Eighteenth" 